Moodley's story 'riddled with improbabilities'

2012-02-01 11:30

Johannesburg - Convicted murderer Donovan Moodley's supposed "true story" of the events surrounding the kidnapping and death of Leigh Matthews was barely believable, Judge Joop Labuschagne said on Wednesday.

"The applicant's 'true story' is riddled with improbabilities," he said in the South Gauteng High Court while delivering judgment in Moodley's application to appeal his conviction.

Labuschagne dismissed the application for leave to appeal against the conviction, saying it was a "desperate attempt by the applicant not to reveal the truth".

"I cannot find that there is a possibility that another court will come to a different conclusion."

'Ridiculous'

He said Moodley's statement that he had been offered R1m by three men to help them kidnap another man was also questionable.

"It is in my view ridiculous," said Labuschagne.

Moodley was found guilty in 2005 of the murder and kidnapping of Matthews, 21, and of extorting money from her father.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder, 15 years for the kidnapping, and 10 years for the extortion.

Labuschagne said he needed to take into account the delay in approaching the court. An application to appeal was meant to be made within 14 days.

"In my view he has failed to properly explain why it took him nearly six years."

The fact that Moodley had admitted to committing the crime was further ammunition against considering the appeal, the judge indicated.

"The applicant repeatedly confirmed his guilt for a number of years."

- SAPA